CN108348709B - Non-combustible smoking devices and components thereof - Google Patents

Abstract

Translated fromChinese

提供一种不可燃吸烟元件(60)，包含：蒸汽前调配物储存器元件(22)，其配置成容纳蒸汽前调配物材料；加热元件(14)，其连接到所述蒸汽前调配物储存器元件(22)且配置成将所述蒸汽前调配物材料的至少一部分加热为蒸汽并将所述蒸汽提供到第一通道(9)。所述不可燃吸烟元件(60)另外包含界定所述第一通道(9)的至少一部分的含烟草元件(23)，所述含烟草元件(23)与所述加热元件(14)的至少一部分重叠。

A non-combustible smoking element (60) is provided, comprising: a pre-steam formulation reservoir element (22) configured to contain a pre-steam formulation material; a heating element (14) connected to the pre-steam formulation reservoir element (22) and configured to heat at least a portion of the pre-steam formulation material into steam and provide the steam to a first channel (9). The non-combustible smoking element (60) further comprises a tobacco-containing element (23) defining at least a portion of the first channel (9), the tobacco-containing element (23) overlapping at least a portion of the heating element (14).

Description

Non-combustible smoking device and components thereof

Technical Field

The present invention generally relates to a non-combustible smoking device.

Background

The electronic vaping device is used to vaporize the pre-vapor formulation into vapor. These electronic vaping devices may be referred to as e-vaping devices (electronic vaping devices). The e-vaping device includes a heater that vaporizes a pre-vapor formulation to produce a vapor. The e-vaping device may include a number of e-vaping elements, including a power source, a cartridge or e-vaping reservoir containing a heater, and a reservoir capable of containing a pre-vapor formulation.

Disclosure of Invention

At least one example embodiment of the invention is directed to a non-combustible smoking device. The non-combustible smoking device can have a heater that heats the pre-vapor formulation and can provide heat to a tobacco element that receives the vapor. More specifically, the non-combustible smoking device according to example embodiments exposes the vapor to the tobacco element, exposes the pre-vapor formulation to the tobacco element, or both.

At least one example embodiment discloses a non-combustible smoking element comprising: a pre-vapor formulation reservoir element configured to contain a pre-vapor formulation material; a pre-vapor heating element connected to the pre-vapor formulation reservoir element and configured to heat at least a portion of the pre-vapor formulation material to a vapor and provide the vapor to a channel; a tobacco heating element configured to heat at least a portion of tobacco and generate an aroma; and a tobacco housing configured to contain the tobacco and provide the aroma to the channel.

In an example embodiment, the tobacco heating element comprises a plurality of heaters in the tobacco housing.

In an example embodiment, the channel extends through the tobacco housing.

In an example embodiment, the plurality of heaters are upstream of the pre-steam heating element.

In an example embodiment, the tobacco is arranged such that the aroma will be delivered to the vapor through the channel after action by an adult vaper of the non-combustible smoking element.

In an example embodiment, the plurality of heaters are external to the channel and the pre-vapor heating element is in the channel.

In an example embodiment, the tobacco housing includes an outer housing extending in a longitudinal direction and an inner tube extending in the outer housing and in the longitudinal direction, a space between the outer housing and the inner tube defining a space containing tobacco.

In an example embodiment, the tobacco heating element is a coil and extends around the inner tube.

In an example embodiment, the tobacco heating element extends around the inner tube at a spacing of between about 1 and about 2 millimeters.

In an example embodiment, the tobacco housing includes a connector at a tobacco housing first end, the connector including at least one first air inlet that provides air to a space between the outer housing and the inner tube.

In an example embodiment, the connector includes a second air inlet to provide air within the inner tube.

In an example embodiment, the tobacco housing includes one of a low efficiency Cellulose Acetate (CA) filter, a glass fiber filter, a mesh screen, and a silicon gasket at a second end of the tobacco housing.

In an example embodiment, the tobacco heating element contacts tobacco.

In an example embodiment, the pre-vapor formulation reservoir element and the tobacco housing are removable.

In example embodiments, the tobacco is tobacco plant material in any form.

In an example embodiment, the heating element is upstream of the pre-steam heating element.

In an example embodiment, the tobacco heating element is downstream of the pre-steam heating element.

Drawings

The above and other features and advantages of example embodiments will become more apparent by describing in detail example embodiments with reference to the attached drawings. The drawings are intended to depict example embodiments and should not be construed as limiting the intended scope of the claims. The drawings are not to be considered as drawn to scale unless explicitly shown.

Figure 1 is a cross-sectional view of a non-combustible smoking device including a tobacco element, according to an example embodiment;

fig. 2A is a perspective view of a mouth-end insert for use with the non-combustible smoking device of fig. 1, according to an example embodiment;

fig. 2B is a cross-sectional view along line B-B of the mouth-end insert of fig. 2A, according to an example embodiment;

figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment in which a non-combustible smoking device includes an air flow diverter, according to an example embodiment;

FIG. 4 is an enlarged view of an air flow diverter of the non-combustible smoking device of FIG. 3, according to an example embodiment;

figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment in which a non-combustible smoking device includes an air flow diverter, according to an example embodiment;

figure 6 is a cross-sectional view along line a-a of the non-combustible smoking device of figure 6, in accordance with an example embodiment;

figure 7 is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment in which a non-combustible smoking device includes an air flow diverter, according to an example embodiment;

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of a non-combustible smoking device and additionally including a sleeve assembly, according to an example embodiment;

fig. 9 is a cross-sectional view of a second embodiment of a mouth-end insert for use with a non-combustible smoking device, according to an example embodiment;

fig. 10 is an exploded view of the mouth-end insert of fig. 9, according to an example embodiment;

11A-11B illustrate an example embodiment of a non-combustible smoking device incorporating a tobacco element;

figure 12 illustrates an example embodiment of a non-combustible smoking device;

13A-13B illustrate an example embodiment of a non-combustible smoking device incorporating a tobacco element;

14A-B illustrate an example embodiment of a pre-vapor formulation supply reservoir;

15A-B illustrate an example embodiment of a non-combustible smoking device having multiple heaters;

FIG. 16 shows a top view of the coiled heater shown in FIG. 15A;

FIG. 17 shows a top view of the cathode portion shown in FIG. 15A;

figure 18 shows a tobacco housing for a non-combustible smoking device according to an example embodiment;

FIG. 19 illustrates another example embodiment of a non-combustible smoking device having multiple heaters;

figure 20 shows a flip-top container for a non-combustible smoking device according to an example embodiment; and

figure 21 illustrates a flip-top container for a non-combustible smoking device according to another example embodiment.

Detailed Description

Some detailed example embodiments are disclosed herein. However, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are merely representative for purposes of describing example embodiments. Example embodiments may, however, be embodied in many alternate forms and should not be construed as limited to only the embodiments set forth herein.

Accordingly, while example embodiments are capable of accepting various modifications and alternative forms, embodiments thereof have been shown by way of example in the drawings and will be described in detail. It should be understood, however, that there is no intention to limit example embodiments to the specific forms disclosed, but on the contrary, example embodiments are to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the scope of example embodiments. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout the description of the figures.

It will be understood that when an element or layer is referred to as being "on," "coupled to," "connected to" or "covering" another element or layer, it can be directly on, coupled to, connected to or covering the other element or layer, or intervening elements or layers may be present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being "directly on," "directly coupled to" or "directly connected to" another element or layer, there are no intervening elements or layers present. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout.

It will be understood that, although the terms first, second, third, etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, regions, layers or sections, these elements, regions, layers or sections should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element, region, layer or section from another element, region, layer or section. Thus, a first element, region, layer or section discussed below could be termed a second element, region, layer or section without departing from the teachings of the example embodiments.

Spatially relative terms (e.g., "below," "lower," "above," "upper," etc.) may be used herein to describe one element or feature's relationship to one or more other elements or features as illustrated in the figures for ease of description. It will be understood that the spatially relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use or operation in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures. For example, if the device in the figures is turned over, elements described as "below" or "beneath" other elements or features would then be oriented "above" the other elements or features. Thus, the term "below" can encompass both an orientation of above and below. The device may be otherwise oriented (rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations) and the spatially relative descriptors used herein interpreted accordingly.

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing various embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of example embodiments. As used herein, the singular forms "a", "an" and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms "comprises" and "comprising," when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, or groups thereof.

Example embodiments are described herein with reference to cross-sectional illustrations that are schematic illustrations of idealized embodiments (and intermediate structures) of the example embodiments. Thus, it is expected that the illustrated shapes will vary, for example, due to manufacturing techniques or tolerances. Thus, example embodiments should not be construed as limited to the shapes of regions illustrated herein but are to include deviations in shapes that result, for example, from manufacturing. Thus, the regions illustrated in the figures are schematic in nature and their shapes are not intended to illustrate the actual shape of a region of a device and are not intended to limit the scope of example embodiments.

Unless defined otherwise, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which example embodiments belong. It will be further understood that terms, including those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art and will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein.

Figure 1 illustrates anon-combustible smoking device 60 according to an example embodiment. Thenon-combustible smoking device 60 includes a replaceable cartridge (or first section) 70 and a reusable fixture (or second section) 72 that are connected together atconnections 205a and 205b (e.g., 205a is an externally threaded connection on thecartridge 70 and 205b is an internally threaded connection on the reusable fixture 72) or by other convenient means such as at least one of a slip fit, detent, clamp or snap. Thefirst section 70 includes an outer tube 6 (or housing) extending in a longitudinal direction and aninner tube 62 coaxially positioned within the outer tube orhousing 6. Theinner tube 62 defines an external air passage (or channel) 9. Thetobacco element 23 is within theexternal air passageway 9 and downstream of theheater 14. Thetobacco element 23 may be in a porous aluminum tube, or treated or shaped into a porous form.

The term "tobacco element" may refer to any tobacco plant material, including, for example, tobacco leaf, tobacco column, reconstituted tobacco, shaped compressed tobacco rod, or powder.

Thetobacco element 23 may also be wrapped in tobacco, such as tobacco sheet, reconstituted tobacco leaf, or cigar wrapper.

Thesecond section 72 may also include an outer tube 6' (or housing) extending in the longitudinal direction. In an alternative embodiment, theouter tubes 6 and 6' may be a single tube housing thefirst section 70 and thesecond section 72, and the entirenon-combustible smoking device 60 may be disposable.

Thenon-combustible smoking device 60 may also include acentral air passage 20 defined in part by theinner tube 62 and theupstream seal 15. Further, thenon-combustible smoking device 60 includes a pre-vaporformulation supply reservoir 22. The pre-vaporformulation supply reservoir 22 includes a pre-vapor formulation material and optionally a pre-vaporformulation storage medium 21 operable to store the pre-vapor formulation therein.

In an embodiment, the pre-vaporformulation supply reservoir 22 is contained in an outer annular region between theouter tube 6 and theinner tube 62. The annular region is sealed at an upstream end by aseal 15 and at a downstream end by apre-vapor formulation gasket 10 so as to prevent leakage of pre-vapor formulation material from the pre-vaporformulation supply reservoir 22.

In an embodiment, aheater 14 is also contained in theinner tube 62 downstream of and in spaced relation to the portion of thecentral air passage 20 defined by theseal 15. Theheater 14 may be in the form of a coil of wire, a planar body, a ceramic body, a single wire, a cage of resistive wire, or any other suitable form.

Thewick 28 is in communication with the pre-vapor formulation material in the pre-vaporformulation supply reservoir 22 and with theheater 14 such that thewick 28 disposes the pre-vapor formulation material in a proximate relationship with theheater 14. The core 28 may be constructed of a fibrous, flexible material. Thewick 28 may include at least one filament having the ability to draw the pre-vapor formulation. For example, thecore 28 may comprise a bundle of filaments, which may comprise glass (or ceramic) filaments. In another embodiment, the bundle comprises a set of windings of glass filaments, such as three such windings, all of which are arranged to draw the pre-vapor formulation by capillary action through interstitial spaces between the filaments.

Thepower supply 1 in thesecond section 72 may be operably connected to the heater 14 (as described below) to apply a voltage across theheater 14. Thenon-combustible smoking device 60 also includes at least oneair inlet 44 operable to deliver air to thecentral air passage 20, other portions of theinner tube 62, or both.

As shown in fig. 1-2B, thenon-combustible smoking device 60 additionally includes a mouth-end insert 8 having at least two off-axis diverging outlets 24. The mouth-end insert 8 is in fluid communication with thecentral air passage 20 through the interior of theinner tube 62 and thecentral passage 63 extending through thegasket 10.

Further, theheater 14 extends in a direction transverse to the longitudinal direction and heats the pre-vapor formulation material to a temperature sufficient to vaporize the pre-vapor formulation material and form a vapor. In other embodiments, theheater 14 may be arranged in another manner, for example in the longitudinal direction.

The steam then flows into thetobacco element 23 after applying a negative pressure to the mouth-end insert 8. Theheater 14 may be spaced a set distance from thetobacco element 23 or contact thetobacco element 23 such that theheater 14 heats thetobacco element 23 during application of negative pressure. For example, theheater 14 may be located 10 millimeters or less from thetobacco element 23. Theheater 14 may be arranged to produce a temperature of 50 degrees celsius at the mouth-end insert 8. Further, theheater 14 may heat thetobacco element 23 to a temperature between about 50 and about 200 degrees celsius and heat the pre-vapor formulation at about 400 degrees celsius.

Theheater 14 warms thetobacco element 23 but does not burn the tobacco. Thus, the warming of thetobacco element 23 may be referred to as non-combustible. Sincesection 70 includestobacco element 23 andheater 14,section 70 may be referred to as a non-combustible smoking element.

Referring to fig. 1, thewick 28, the pre-vaporformulation supply reservoir 22, and the mouth-end insert 8 are contained in acartridge 70, and thepower supply 1 is contained in asecond section 72. In one embodiment, the first section (cartridge) 70 is disposable and the second section (fixture) 72 is reusable. As described above, thesections 70, 72 may be attached by a threaded connection 205, whereby thedownstream section 70 may be replaced when the pre-vaporformulation supply reservoir 22 is depleted. Having separatefirst section 70 andsecond section 72 provides several advantages. First, if thefirst section 70 contains at least oneheater 14, the pre-vaporformulation supply reservoir 22, and thewick 28, all elements that may come into contact with the pre-vapor formulation are discarded when thefirst section 70 is replaced. Thus, for example, when different pre-vapor formulation materials are used, there will be no cross-contamination between the different mouth-end inserts 8. Additionally, if thefirst section 70 is replaced at appropriate intervals, there is little chance that the heater will become plugged with pre-vapor formulation. Optionally, thefirst section 70 and thesecond section 72 are arranged to lock together when engaged.

In embodiments, the at least oneair inlet 44 includes one or twoair inlets 44, 44'. Alternatively, there may be three, four, five or more air inlets. If there is more than oneair inlet 44, 44', theair inlets 44, 44' are located at different locations along thenon-combustible smoking device 60. For example, as shown in fig. 1, theair inlet 44a may be positioned at an upstream end of thenon-combustible smoking device 60 adjacent thesensor 16 such that thesensor 16 supplies power to theheater 14 upon sensing the application of negative pressure. Theair inlet 44a should be in communication with the mouth-end insert 8 so that suction to the mouth-end insert activates thesensor 16. Air from theair inlet 44a may then flow along thepower supply 1 and to one or a combination of thecentral air passage 20 in theseal 15, other portions of theinner tube 62, and other portions of theouter tube 6. The at least oneadditional air inlet 44, 44' may be located adjacent to and upstream of theseal 15, or at any other desirable location. Altering the size and number ofair inlets 44, 44' may also assist in establishing the resistance to draw of thenon-combustible smoking device 60.

In an embodiment, theheater 14 is arranged in communication with thewick 28 and heats the pre-vapor formulation material contained in thewick 28 to a temperature sufficient to vaporize the pre-vapor formulation material and form a vapor.

Theheater 14 may be a coil of wire surrounding thewick 28. Examples of suitable resistive materials include titanium, zirconium, tantalum, and platinum group metals. Examples of suitable metal alloys include stainless steel, nickel-containing, cobalt-containing, chromium-containing, aluminum-containing, titanium-containing, zirconium-containing, hafnium-containing, niobium-containing, molybdenum-containing, tantalum-containing, tungsten-containing, tin-containing, gallium-containing, manganese-containing, and iron-containing alloys, and superalloys based on nickel, iron, cobalt, and stainless steel. For example, the heater may be formed of nickel aluminide, materials with a layer of alumina on the surface, iron aluminide, and other composite materials, and the resistive material may be embedded in, encapsulated or coated with insulating material, or vice versa, as desired, depending on the kinetics of the energy transfer and the desired external physicochemical properties. In one embodiment, theheater 14 comprises at least one material selected from the group consisting of: stainless steel, copper alloys, nickel-chromium alloys, superalloys, and combinations thereof. In an embodiment, theheater 14 is formed of a nichrome or ferrochrome alloy. In one embodiment, theheater 14 may be a ceramic heater having a resistive layer on its outer surface.

In another embodiment, theheater 14 may be constructed of iron aluminide (e.g., FeAl or Fe. sub.3Al), such as those described in commonly owned U.S. patent No. 5,595,706 to Sikka et al, filed 12, 29, 1994, or of nickel aluminide (e.g., Ni. sub.3Al). The use of iron aluminides is particularly advantageous because they exhibit high electrical resistivity. FeAl exhibits a resistivity of about 180 micro-ohms, while stainless steel exhibits about 50 to 91 micro-ohms. The higher resistivity reduces the current draw or load on the power supply (battery) 1.

In one embodiment, theheater 14 comprises a coil of wire at least partially surrounding thewick 28. In such embodiments, the electrical wire may be at least one of a metal wire and a heater coil extending partially along the length of thewick 28. The heater coil may extend completely or partially around the circumference of thewick 28. In another embodiment, the heater coil is not in contact with thewick 28.

Theheater 14 heats the pre-vapor formulation in thewick 28 by thermal conduction. Alternatively, heat from theheater 14 may be conducted to the pre-vapor formulation through a thermally conductive element, or theheater 14 may transfer heat to incoming ambient air drawn through thenon-combustible smoking device 60 during use, which in turn heats the pre-vapor formulation by convection.

In one embodiment, the core comprises a ceramic material or ceramic fibers. As noted above, thewick 28 is at least partially surrounded by theheater 14. Further, in an embodiment, thewick 28 extends through opposing openings in theinner tube 62 such that theend portions 29, 31 of thewick 28 are in contact with the pre-vaporformulation supply reservoir 22.

The core 28 may comprise a plurality of filaments or a bundle of filaments. In one embodiment, the filaments may be substantially aligned in a direction transverse to the longitudinal direction of thenon-combustible smoking device 60, although example embodiments are not limited to this orientation. In one embodiment, thewick 28 structure is formed of ceramic filaments that are capable of drawing the pre-vapor formulation to theheater 14 by capillary action through interstitial spaces between the filaments. The core 28 may comprise a wire having a cross-section that is generally cruciform, clover, Y-shaped, or any other suitable shape.

Thecore 28 comprises any suitable material or combination of materials. Examples of suitable materials are glass filaments and ceramic or graphite based materials. Further, thewick 28 may have any suitable capillarity to accommodate pre-vapor formulations having different physical properties, such as density, viscosity, surface tension, and vapor pressure. In combination with the properties of the pre-vapor formulation, the capillary nature of thewick 28 ensures that thewick 28 is always wet in the region of theheater 14, thereby avoiding overheating of theheater 14.

Instead of using a wick, the heater may be a porous material with sufficient capillarity and which incorporates a resistive heater formed of a material with high electrical resistance that can quickly generate heat.

In one embodiment, thewick 28 and the pre-vaporformulation storage medium 21 of the pre-vaporformulation supply reservoir 22 are comprised of alumina ceramic. In another embodiment, thewick 28 comprises glass fibers and the pre-vaporformulation storage medium 21 comprises a cellulosic material or polyethylene terephthalate.

In an embodiment, thepower source 1 may comprise a battery arranged in thenon-combustible smoking device 60 such that the anode is downstream of the cathode. The anode connector 4 contacts the downstream end of the cell. Theheater 14 is connected to the battery by two spaced electrical leads.

The connection between theunwound end portions 27, 27' (see fig. 4) of theheater 14 and the electrical leads is highly conductive and temperature resistant, while theheater 14 is highly resistive, such that heat generation occurs primarily along theheater 14 rather than at the contacts.

The battery may be a lithium ion battery or one of its variants, for example a lithium ion polymer battery. Alternatively, the battery may be a nickel-metal hydride battery, a nickel-cadmium battery, a lithium manganese battery, a lithium cobalt battery, or a fuel cell. In this case, thenon-combustible smoking device 60 may be used until the energy in the power source is exhausted. Alternatively, thepower supply 1 may be rechargeable and contain circuitry that allows the battery to be recharged by an external charging device. In this case, the circuitry provides power for a desired (or predetermined) number of negative voltage applications when charged, after which the circuitry must be reconnected to the external charging device.

Thenon-combustible smoking device 60 also includes control circuitry including thesensor 16. Thesensor 16 is operable to sense the air pressure drop and begin applying voltage from thepower supply 1 to theheater 14. The control circuitry may also include aheater activation light 48 operable to emit light when theheater 14 is activated. In one embodiment, theheater activation light 48 comprises a heater activation light (e.g., a Light Emitting Diode (LED))48 and is at the upstream end of thenon-combustible smoking device 60 such that theheater activation light 48 assumes the appearance of burning coal during application of negative pressure. Further, theheater activation light 48 may be arranged to be visible to an adult vaper. Additionally, theheater activation light 48 may be used for e-vaping system diagnostics. The light 48 may also be configured such that an adult vaper may activate, deactivate, or both activate and deactivate the light 48 for privacy so that the light 48 will not be activated during smoking of a vap if desired.

At least oneair inlet 44a is positioned adjacent to thesensor 16 such that thesensor 16 senses air flow indicative of negative pressure and activates thepower supply 1 and theheater activation light 48 to indicate that theheater 14 is operating.

The control circuit is integrated with thesensor 16 and supplies power to theheater 14 in response to thesensor 16, for example, with a maximum time period limiter.

Alternatively, the control circuitry may include a manually operable switch for applying the negative pressure. The period of time for the supply of current to theheater 14 may be preset depending on the amount of pre-vapor formulation to be vaporized. The control circuitry may be programmed for this purpose. Alternatively, the control circuitry may provide power to the heater whenever thesensor 16 detects a voltage drop.

When activated, theheater 14 heats a portion of thewick 28 surrounded by the heater for less than about 10 seconds, more preferably less than about 7 seconds. Thus, the power cycle may range in period from about 2 seconds to about 10 seconds (e.g., about 3 seconds to about 9 seconds, about 4 seconds to about 8 seconds, or about 5 seconds to about 7 seconds).

In an embodiment, the pre-vaporformulation supply reservoir 22 comprises a pre-vaporformulation storage medium 21 containing a pre-vapor formulation material. In fig. 1, the pre-vaporformulation supply reservoir 22 is contained in the outer annular region between theinner tube 62 and theouter tube 6 and between thestopper 10 and theseal 15. Thus, the pre-vaporformulation supply reservoir 22 at least partially surrounds thecentral air passage 20, and theheater 14 andwick 28 extend between portions of the pre-vaporformulation supply reservoir 22.

The pre-vaporformulation storage medium 21 may be a fibrous material comprising at least one of cotton, polyethylene, polyester, rayon, and combinations thereof. The fibers may have diameters in the range of about 6 microns to about 15 microns in size (e.g., about 8 microns to about 12 microns or about 9 microns to about 11 microns). The pre-vaporformulation storage medium 21 may be a sintered porous or foam material. Additionally, the fibers may be sized to be unsuitable for air intake, and may have a y-shaped, cross-shaped, clover-shaped, or any other suitable shape in cross-section.

In another example embodiment, the pre-vaporformulation storage medium 21 may be a tobacco filler or a tobacco slurry.

In addition, the pre-vapor formulation material has a boiling point suitable for use in thenon-combustible smoking device 60. If the boiling point is too high, theheater 14 will not be able to vaporize the pre-vapor formulation in thewick 28. However, if the boiling point is too low, the pre-vapor formulation may vaporize without activating theheater 14.

The pre-vapor formulation is a material or combination of materials that can be converted to vapor. For example, the pre-vapor formulation may be at least one of a liquid, solid, or gel formulation, including but not limited to water, beads, solvents, actives, alcohols, plant extracts, natural or artificial flavors, vapor formers such as glycerin and propylene glycol, and combinations thereof.

The pre-vapor formulation may include a tobacco element that includes volatile tobacco flavor compounds that are released upon heating. The physical integrity of the tobacco element is preserved when the tobacco element is in the pre-vapor formulation. For example, the tobacco element may comprise between about 2% and about 30% by weight in the pre-vapor formulation.

For example, the tobacco element may be in the form of a sheet or a chip and added after the pre-vapor formulation is added to the pre-vaporformulation storage medium 21.

In operation, with thenon-combustible smoking device 60 in the assembled configuration, a negative pressure may be applied to the mouth-end insert 8. This negative pressure may cause an internal pressure drop within thenon-combustible smoking device 60, which may cause inlet air flow to enter thedevice 60 through theair inlets 44 and 44'. The internal pressure drop may also cause an internal pressure drop withinsection 72 due to air being drawn throughair inlet 44a (through the air flow path through section 72). The internal pressure drop created insection 72 may be sensed bysensor 16. Thesensor 16 may then operate to close the circuit including thepower supply 1. In turn, the electrical leads carry current to theheater 14 in order to energize theheater 14. The energizedheater 14 in turn heats and vaporizes the pre-vapor formulation material drawn through thewick 28 toward theheater 14.

The pre-vapor formulation material is output from one or both of the pre-vaporformulation supply reservoir 22 and the pre-vaporformulation storage medium 21 proximate theheater 14 by capillary action in thewick 28. In one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 3, thecore 28 has afirst end portion 29 and an oppositesecond end portion 31. Thefirst end portion 29 and thesecond end portion 31 extend into opposite sides of the pre-vaporformulation storage medium 21 to contact the pre-vapor formulation material contained therein. Theheater 14 at least partially surrounds a central portion of thewick 28 such that when theheater 14 is activated, the pre-vapor formulation in the central portion of thewick 28 is vaporized by theheater 14 to vaporize the pre-vapor formulation material and form a vapor. Due to the applied negative pressure, steam flows from theheater 14 through thetobacco element 23 and out thestream end insert 8.

The steam may wash the tobacco elements into the flow stream. Some thermal reaction between the steam and the tobacco element may also occur.

One advantage of an embodiment is that the pre-vapor formulation material in the pre-vaporformulation supply reservoir 22 is prevented from oxidizing (since oxygen generally cannot enter the pre-vapor formulation storage portion through the wick), such that the risk of degradation of the pre-vapor formulation material is significantly reduced. Furthermore, in some embodiments where theouter tube 6 is not transparent, the pre-vaporformulation supply reservoir 22 is shielded from light so that the risk of degradation of the pre-vapor formulation material is significantly reduced. Thus, a high degree of shelf life and cleanliness can be maintained.

As shown in fig. 2A and 2B, the mouth-end insert 8 includes at least two dispersion outlets 24 (e.g., 3, 4, 5, or more). Theoutlet 24 of the mouth-end insert 8 is located at the end of the off-axis passageway 80 and is angled outwardly (i.e., fanned out) relative to the longitudinal direction of thenon-combustible smoking device 60. As used herein, the term "off-axis" indicates an angle with the longitudinal direction of thenon-combustible smoking device 60. In addition, the mouth-end insert (baffle) 8 may include outlets evenly distributed around the mouth-end insert 8 so as to distribute the steam substantially evenly during use. Thus, the vapor moves in different directions as compared to an e-vaping device having a single aperture on an axis that directs the vapor to a single location.

In addition, theoutlet 24 and the off-axis passages 80 are arranged such that droplets of unvaporized pre-vapor formulation carried in the vapor impingementinner surface 81 at one or both of the mouth-end insert and the inner surface of the off-axis passages are removed or differentiated. In an embodiment, the outlet of the mouth-end insert is located at the end of the off-axis passageway and is angled between about 5 and about 60 degrees relative to the central axis of theouter tube 6 in order to more fully distribute the vapor and remove droplets during use.

Preferably, each outlet has a diameter of about 0.015 inch to about 0.090 inch (e.g., about 0.020 inch to about 0.040 inch, or about 0.028 inch to about 0.038 inch). The size of theoutlets 24 and off-axis passageways 80, as well as the number of outlets, may be selected to adjust the Resistance To Draw (RTD) of thenon-combustible smoking device 60 if necessary.

As shown in fig. 1, theinner surface 81 of the mouth-end insert 8 may comprise a generally dome-shaped surface. Alternatively, as shown in fig. 2B, the inner surface 81' of the mouth-end insert 8 can be generally cylindrical or frustoconical with a planar end surface. The inner surface is generally uniform over its surface or symmetrical about the longitudinal axis of the mouth-end insert 8. However, in other embodiments, the inner surface may be irregular or have other shapes.

The mouth-end insert 8 is integrally affixed within thetube 6 of thesection 70. Further, the mouth-end insert 8 may be formed from a polymer selected from the group consisting of: low density polyethylene, high density polyethylene, polypropylene, polyvinyl chloride, Polyetheretherketone (PEEK), and combinations thereof. The mouth-end insert 8 may also be colored if necessary.

In embodiments, thenon-combustible smoking device 60 also includes an air flow splitter or various embodiments of an air flow splitter device. The air flow splitter is operable to manage the air flow at or around the heater so as to mitigate the tendency of the extracted air to cool the heater, which may otherwise result in a reduction in steam output.

In one embodiment, as shown in fig. 3-4, thenon-combustible smoking device 60 may include an air flow diverter including theimpermeable plug 30 at thedownstream end 82 of thecentral air passage 20 in theseal 15. Thecentral air passage 20 is an axially extending central passage in theseal 15 and theinner tube 62. Theseal 15 seals the upstream end of the annular region between theouter tube 6 and theinner tube 62. The air flow diverter may include at least oneradial air channel 32 to direct air from thecentral air passage 20 outwardly toward theinner tube 62 and into theouter air passage 9 defined between the outer periphery of the downstream end portion of theseal 15 and the inner wall of theinner tube 62.

The bore diameter of thecentral air passage 20 may be substantially the same as the diameter of the at least oneradial air channel 32. The bore diameter of thecentral air passage 20 and the diameter of the at least oneradial air channel 32 may be in the range of about 1.5 millimeters to about 3.5 millimeters (e.g., about 2.0 millimeters to about 3.0 millimeters). Optionally, the bore diameter of thecentral air passage 20 and the diameter of the at least oneradial air channel 32 may be adjusted to control the resistance to draw of thenon-combustible smoking device 60. In use, air flows into the bore of thecentral air passage 20, through the at least oneradial air channel 32 and into theouter air channel 9 such that a smaller portion of the air flow is directed at a central portion of theheater 14, thereby reducing or minimizing the cooling effect of the air flow on theheater 14 during the heating cycle described above. Thus, incoming air is directed away from the center of theheater 14 and the flow rate of air through the heater is reduced compared to if the air flows through a central opening in theseal 15 that is oriented directly in line with the middle portion of theheater 14.

In another embodiment, as shown in fig. 5-6, the air flow diverter may be in the form of adisk 34 positioned between the downstream end of theseal 15 and theheater 14. Thedisc 34 contains at least oneaperture 36 in the transverse wall at the downstream end of the outer tubular wall 90. The at least oneaperture 36 may be off-axis so as to direct incoming air outwardly toward the inner wall of thetube 62. During application of negative pressure, thedisc 34 is operable to divert the air flow away from the central portion of theheater 14 so as to counteract the tendency of the air flow to cool the heater due to effort or prolonged draw by an adult vaper. Thus, cooling of theheater 14 during the heating cycle is substantially reduced or prevented, thereby reducing or preventing a drop in the amount of steam generated during application of negative pressure.

In yet another embodiment, as shown in FIG. 7, the air flow splitter includes afrustoconical section 40 extending from thedownstream end 82 of the shortenedcentral air passage 20. By shortening thecentral air passage 20, theheater 14 is positioned farther from thecentral air passage 20 than in other embodiments, allowing the air flow to slow down before contacting theheater 14 and reducing the tendency of the air flow to cool theheater 14. Alternatively, theheater 14 may be moved closer to the mouth-end insert 8 and farther from thecentral air passage 20, allowing at least one of sufficient time and sufficient space for the air flow to decelerate to achieve the same cooling mitigation effect.

The addition of thefrustoconical section 40 provides a larger diameter hole size, which may decelerate the air flow such that the air flow rate at or around theheater 14 is reduced in order to mitigate the cooling effect of the air on theheater 14 during the negative pressure cycle. The larger (outlet) end of the frusto-conical section 40 has a diameter in the range of about 2.0 mm to about 4.0 mm, and preferably, about 2.5 mm to about 3.5 mm.

The bore diameter of thecentral air passage 20 and the diameter of at least one of the smaller and larger ends of the frusto-conical section 40 may be adjusted to control the resistance to draw of thenon-combustible smoking device 60.

The airflow diverter of various embodiments directs the airflow by controlling the airflow rate (at least one of its speed and airflow direction). For example, the airflow diverter may direct airflow in a particular direction, control the velocity of the airflow, or both. The air flow velocity can be controlled by varying the cross-sectional area of the air flow path. The air flow velocity through the reduced cross-section increases and the air flow velocity through the wider cross-section decreases.

Theouter tube 6, theinner tube 62, or both may be formed of any suitable material or combination of materials. Examples of suitable materials include metals, alloys, plastics or composites containing one or more of those materials, or thermoplastics suitable for food or medical applications, such as polypropylene, Polyetheretherketone (PEEK), ceramics and polyethylene. In one embodiment, the material is lighter and less brittle.

As shown in fig. 8, thenon-combustible smoking device 60 may also include a sleeve assembly 87 removably, rotatably, or removably and rotatably positioned about theouter tube 6 adjacent thefirst section 70 of thenon-combustible smoking device 60. Further, the sleeve assembly 87 isolates at least a portion of thefirst section 70 in order to maintain the temperature of the vapor prior to delivery to an adult vaper. In an embodiment, the sleeve assembly 87 is rotatable about thenon-combustible smoking device 60 and includes spaced apart slots 88 arranged laterally about the sleeve assembly such that the slots 88 are in line with theair inlets 44 in thefirst section 70 to allow air to pass into thenon-combustible smoking device 60 when negative pressure is applied to thenon-combustible smoking device 60. Before or during smoking of a vaping, an adult vaping user may rotate the sleeve assembly 87 such that theair inlet 44 is at least partially blocked by the sleeve assembly 87 in order to adjust at least one of a resistance to smoking and ventilation of thenon-combustible smoking device 60.

The sleeve assembly 87 is made of silicone or other pliable material to provide a softer mouth feel to an adult vaper. However, the cannula assembly 87 may be formed as one or more pieces and may be formed from a variety of materials including plastic, metal, and combinations thereof. In an embodiment, cannula assembly 87 is a single piece formed from silicone. The sleeve assembly 87 may be removed and reused with other non-combustible smoking devices, or may be discarded along with thefirst section 70. The cannula assembly 87 may be any suitable color, may include graphics or other indicia, or both.

As shown in fig. 9-10, in an alternative embodiment, the non-combustible smoking device can include a mouth-end insert 8 having a fixedmember 27 and arotatable member 25. Theoutlets 24, 24' are located in each of the fixedmember 27 and therotatable member 25. One or more of theoutlets 24, 24 'are aligned as shown to allow steam to enter the adult vaper's mouth. However, therotatable member 25 is rotatable within the mouth-end insert 8 so as to at least partially block one or more of theoutlets 24 in thestationary member 27. Thus, the steam output may vary with each application of negative pressure.Outlets 24, 24 'may be formed in mouth-end insert 8 to disperseoutlets 24, 24'.

In another embodiment, the air flow diverter includes the addition of a second wick element adjacent to, but only upstream of, theheater 14. The second wick element diverts a portion of the air flow around theheater 14.

Although fig. 1, 3, 5, and 7-8 illustrate a tobacco element in the external air passageway, example embodiments are not so limited.

Fig. 11A illustrates an example embodiment of anon-combustible smoking device 1100 incorporating atobacco element 1150. Thenon-combustible smoking device 1100 is similar to thenon-combustible smoking device 60. Therefore, for the sake of brevity, only the differences will be described.

Thenon-combustible smoking device 1100 includes a pre-vaporformulation supply reservoir 22 a. The pre-vaporformulation supply reservoir 22a is identical to the pre-vaporformulation supply reservoir 22, except that the pre-vaporformulation supply reservoir 22a is shorter in the longitudinal direction.

Thefirst section 70a includes an outer tube 6 (or housing) extending in a longitudinal direction and aninner tube 62a coaxially positioned within the outer tube orhousing 6. Theinner tube 62a defines a firstoutside air passage 9 a. The firstoutside air passage 9a opens to the secondoutside air passage 9 b.

One end of theinner tube 62a and the mouth-end insert 8 define a secondexternal air passage 9 b. In other words, theouter tube 6 may define a latitudinal diameter of the secondouter air passage 9 b. As shown, the diameter in the latitudinal direction of the secondoutside air passage 9b is larger than the diameter in the latitudinal direction of the firstoutside air passage 9 a.

Thetobacco element 1150 is within the secondexternal air passageway 9 b. For example, thetobacco element 1150 may be inserted into the secondexternal air passage 9b by removing the mouth-end insert 8 and inserting thetobacco element 1150 into the secondexternal air passage 9 b.

Thetobacco element 1150 may be a tobacco column, referred to as tobacco in compressed form, including but not limited to tobacco strands, rolled tobacco, or filler. The tobacco column may be packaged in, for example, natural tobacco, reconstituted sheet tobacco, or aluminum. Although only one tobacco column is shown, it should be understood that multiple tobacco columns may be used. Fibrous segments (e.g., cellulose acetate, other synthetic fibers, or natural fibers) may be placed between the plurality of tobacco columns.

For example, thecylindrical housing 1185 contains tobacco. For example, thecylindrical housing 1185 may be made of aluminum. Thecylindrical housing 1185 has an outer diameter matching the diameter of theoutside air passage 9 b. Along the longitudinal axis of thehousing 6, themesh screens 1175 and 1180 are fitted to the ends of thecylindrical housing 1185 to enclose the tobacco in thecylindrical housing 1185. As shown in fig. 11A, themesh screens 1175 and 1180 includeopenings 1182 to allow air to pass through the tobacco from one end of the cylindrical housing and out of the end of thecylindrical housing 1185 closest to the mouth-end insert 8.

Thetobacco element 1150 is arranged in a manner that allows steam generated by theheater 14 to pass through the tobacco. For example, thetobacco element 1150 may be spaced apart from the mouth-end insert 8 by a first distance and spaced apart from the pre-vaporformulation supply reservoir 22 by a second distance. The first distance and the second distance may be the same or different.

Due to the applied negative pressure, steam flows from theheater 14 through thetobacco element 1150 and out the flowport end insert 8. Theheater 14 may be spaced a set distance from thetobacco element 1150 or contact thetobacco element 1150 such that theheater 14 heats the tobacco to a certain temperature (as described above) during application of negative pressure. In an example, theheater 14 can be spaced between about 1 millimeter and about 5 millimeters from thetobacco element 1150.

Although theinner tube 62a is shown extending in a longitudinal direction through theheater 14 to the mouth-end insert 8, it is understood that theheater 14 may be arranged to extend into the secondexternal air passage 9 b. Accordingly, thetobacco element 1150 may be spaced apart from theheater 14 or in contact with theheater 14, such as shown in fig. 11B. In fig. 11B, theheater 14 is in the second outer passage 9B of the section 70B. Thus, the pre-vapor formulation supply reservoir 11a, theheater 14, and thetobacco element 1150 are arranged in sequence.

Although thepad 10 is not shown, the non-combustible smoking device 11 may include apad 10.

Fig. 12 illustrates an example embodiment of anon-combustible smoking device 1200. Fig. 12 illustrates an example embodiment of anon-combustible smoking device 1200 incorporating atobacco element 1250. Thenon-combustible smoking device 1200 is similar to thenon-combustible smoking device 60, except that thesection 70c does not include the mouth-end insert 8, thetobacco element 23, and themat 10, and thenon-combustible smoking device 1200 additionally includes aninsert 1210. Therefore, for the sake of brevity, only the differences will be described.

By removing the mouth-end insert 8 and thegasket 10, thenon-combustible smoking device 1200 includes a receivingregion 1205 that cooperates to receive thetobacco insert 1210. The receivingarea 1205 is defined by theouter tube 6 and one end of the pre-vaporformulation supply reservoir 22.

Thetobacco insert 1210 may be a cigarette or cigar. For example, the tobacco insert may be a filter cigarette, a non-filter cigarette, a cigarillo, a filter cigar filter, a cigarillo (tipped cigar), or a non-cigarillo or cigarillo. Example embodiments, however, are not so limited.

Thetobacco insert 1210 is a removable insert. In the example shown in fig. 12, thetobacco insert 1210 can be a cigarette or a portion of a cigarette. Thetobacco insert 1210 comprises afilter 1220 and atobacco element 1250. In example embodiments where the tobacco insert is a non-tipping cigar or cigarillo, the tobacco insert does not contain a filter.

Tipping paper 1255 may overlapfilter 1220 andtobacco element 1250. Thetipping paper 1255 may cover the surface area of thetobacco insert 1210 that extends into along theouter tube 6. Thus, thetipping paper 1255 provides stiffness to thetobacco insert 1210, thereby permitting easy insertion into the receivingzone 1205. Aluminum foil may also be used to contain thetobacco element 1250, with or without additional tipping paper.

The position of theheater 14 is not limited to the position shown in fig. 12. For example, theheater 14 may be positioned at the end of theexternal air passageway 9 such that theheater 14 is closer to or in contact with thetobacco element 1250. In another example embodiment, theheater 14 may protrude from theoutside air passage 9 in the same manner as shown in fig. 11B.

Theheater 14 may be spaced a set distance from or in contact with thetobacco element 1250 such that theheater 14 heats thetobacco element 1250 to a temperature (as described above) during application of negative pressure.

In operation, with thenon-combustible smoking device 1200 in an assembled configuration, a negative pressure can be applied to thetobacco insert 1210. This negative pressure may cause an internal pressure drop inside thenon-combustible smoking device 1200, which may cause the inlet air flow to enter thedevice 1200 through theair inlets 44 and 44'. The internal pressure drop may also cause an internal pressure drop withinsection 72 due to air being drawn throughair inlet 44a (through the air flow path through section 72). The internal pressure drop created insection 72 may be sensed bysensor 16. Thesensor 16 may then operate to close the circuit including thepower supply 1. In turn, the electrical leads carry current to theheater 14 in order to energize theheater 14. The energizedheater 14 in turn heats and vaporizes a portion of the pre-vapor formulation drawn through thewick 28 toward theheater 14.

The pre-vapor formulation material is output from at least one of the pre-vaporformulation supply reservoir 22 and the pre-vaporformulation storage medium 21 proximate theheater 14 by capillary action in thewick 28. When theheater 14 is activated, the pre-vapor formulation in the central portion of thewick 28 is vaporized by theheater 14 to vaporize the pre-vapor formulation material and form a vapor. Due to the applied negative pressure, steam flows from theheater 14 through thetobacco element 1250 and out of thefilter 1220.

In the example shown in fig. 12, thefilter 1220 may be a Cellulose Acetate (CA) filter. The CA filter element, such as triacetin, may be washed into the steam. The vapor phase nicotine and other volatile elements in the vapor may be reduced by the presence of tobacco.

Figure 13A illustrates an example embodiment of anon-combustible smoking device 1300.

Thenon-combustible smoking device 1300 is similar to thenon-combustible smoking device 60, except that thesection 70d does not include thetobacco element 23, and thenon-combustible smoking device 1300 additionally includes aremovable mouthpiece 1310. Therefore, for the sake of brevity, only the differences will be described.

Theremovable mouthpiece 1310 contains atobacco element 1320. Thetobacco element 1320 may be contained in a plug or bag and attached to the interior of themouthpiece 1310. Aremovable mouthpiece 1310 fits over a portion of theouter tube 6 to form a seal between the removable mouthpiece and thesection 70 d. Theremovable mouthpiece 1310 may form the seal by sliding onto theouter tube 6 or having a connection mechanism (e.g., male or female connection) that connects theouter tube 6.

In operation, with thenon-combustible smoking device 1300 in an assembled configuration, negative pressure may be applied to thedetachable mouthpiece 1310. Due to the applied negative pressure, steam flows from theheater 14 through the mouth-end insert 8 into thetobacco element 1320 and out of thedetachable mouthpiece 1310 through theair passage 1330.

Theheater 14 may be spaced a set distance from thetobacco element 1320 or in contact with thetobacco element 1320 such that theheater 14 heats thetobacco element 1320 to a certain temperature (as described above) during application of negative pressure.

In another example embodiment, the mouth-end insert 8 andgasket 10 may be omitted, such as shown in fig. 13B. In the embodiment shown in fig. 13B,tube 6a is shorter thantube 6 of fig. 13A.

In other example embodiments, the tobacco element may be in the pre-vapor formulation supply reservoir, the tobacco element may act as a pre-vapor formulation storage medium, or both.

For example, fig. 14A-B illustrate an example embodiment of a pre-vapor formulation supply reservoir. The pre-vaporformulation supply reservoir 22a may be used as the pre-vaporformulation supply reservoir 22.

As shown, the pre-vaporformulation supply reservoir 22a includes apre-vapor formulation 1402, anintermediate tube 1404, atobacco element 1410, and an inner tube 62'. The inner tube 62' defines theair passage 9 and may comprise, for example, a metal grid, screen or mesh.

In another example embodiment, the inner tube 62' may be formed from any suitable material or combination of materials. Examples of suitable materials include metals, alloys, plastics or composites containing one or more of those materials, or thermoplastics suitable for food or medical applications, such as polypropylene, Polyetheretherketone (PEEK), ceramics and polyethylene.

Theintermediate tube 1404 may comprise fiberglass. Thepre-vapor formulation 1402 is between theintermediate pipe 1404 and theouter pipe 6, and may be in the pre-vaporformulation storage medium 21.

Tobacco element 1410 is between inner tube 62' andintermediate tube 1404. Thetobacco element 1410 can be, for example, a tobacco sheet, a chip, a powder, a bead, or a sponge. The inner tube 62' may include an extension that protrudes into the tobacco to aid in heat transfer.

In operation, negative pressure may be applied to the non-combustible smoking device, which activates theheater 14, as described above. The heater heats thepre-vapor formulation 1402 to form a vapor, and the vapor flows from theheater 14, through thetobacco element 1410, and into theair passageway 9.

Accordingly, thetobacco element 1410 is exposed to heat from the steam and from theheater 14. Thus, the steam is imparted with a tobacco aroma.

In an example embodiment, the amount of tobacco element (e.g., filler) in the non-combustible smoking device can generate about the same number of negative pressure applications as a cigarette. Alternatively, the amount of tobacco elements may produce a fixed number of negative pressure applications.

In an example embodiment, the tobacco element can remove nicotine.

The example embodiments described in fig. 1-14B may be combined to utilize tobacco elements in more than one location. For example, a first tobacco element may be combined with a pre-vapor formulation in a pre-vapor formulation supply reservoir, and a second tobacco element may be in thepassageway 9. In other example embodiments, the first tobacco element may be combined with the pre-vapor formulation in the pre-vapor formulation supply reservoir, and the second tobacco element may be a tobacco column in the secondexternal air passage 9 b. In another example embodiment, the first tobacco element may be combined with a pre-vapor formulation in a pre-vapor formulation supply reservoir, and the second tobacco element may be in an insert or a detachable mouthpiece. In another example embodiment, the first tobacco element may be in thepassageway 9 and the second tobacco element may be in the insert or detachable mouthpiece.

Example embodiments provide a non-combustible smoking device having a heater that heats a pre-vapor formulation and can provide heat to a tobacco element. More specifically, the non-combustible smoking device according to example embodiments exposes the vapor to the tobacco element, exposes the pre-vapor formulation to the tobacco element, or both. The physical integrity of the tobacco element is preserved when the tobacco element is in the pre-vapor formulation.

In other example embodiments, the non-combustible smoking device may be a pod or reservoir device that exposes the vapor to the tobacco element, exposes the pre-vapor formulation to the tobacco element, or both.

Although a single heater is described with reference to fig. 1-14B, example embodiments may include a multi-heater non-combustible smoking device. The first heater may be aheater 14 that vaporizes the pre-vapor formulation, and the second heater may be used to heat the tobacco element. The second heater may penetrate the tobacco element.

For example, fig. 15A-15B illustrate an example embodiment of a non-combustible smoking device having multiple heaters.

In fig. 15A, thefirst segment 1500 may be similar to thefirst segment 70 shown in fig. 1, but without thetobacco element 23. Fig. 15B shows afirst section 1500. Since thefirst section 1500 is identical to thefirst section 70 but for thesmokeless grass elements 23, thefirst section 1500 will not be described in detail for the sake of brevity.

As shown in fig. 15A, the second section 72' of the non-combustible smoking device includes atobacco housing 1505 and apower housing 1510.Tobacco housing 1505 andpower housing 1510 can be separate cartridges connected together by a connectingportion 1511. Theconnection portion 1511 may be identical to the threaded connection 205.

Thetobacco housing 1505houses tobacco 1507 and is configured to allow aroma to flow from thetobacco 1507 into thefirst segment 1500.

The tobacco housing contains aconnector 205b having ananode portion 1515 and acathode portion 1520. Theanode portion 1515 includes a longitudinally extendingannular section 1517 in thetobacco housing 1505. Theanode portion 1515 contains twoholes 1521a and 1521b to allow air to flow into thetobacco 1507 and thechannel 1519 when negative pressure is applied to the mouth-end insert 8. Both theanode portion 1515 and thecathode portion 1520 comprise a conductive material, such as plated brass or stainless steel. In the longitudinal direction, thechannel 1519 is partially bounded by theanode portion 1515.Filter 1522 is located at one end ofchannel 1519, and the other end ofchannel 1519 is open tofirst section 1500. Thefilter 1522 may comprise multicellular acetate, fiberglass, ceramic, cotton, or any chemically inert porous material. Thus, thechannel 1519 provides a path for air to flow into thetobacco 1507.

Thefiber sleeve 1525 covers at least a portion of theannular portion 1517 of theanode portion 1515. Thefibrous sleeve 1525 may be a cellulosic material or polyethylene terephthalate and may extend from the ends of theholes 1521a, 1521b to thefilter 1522.Fiber sleeve 1525 assists in controlling temperature by absorbing heat emitted by the windingheater 1530. Thefiber sleeve 1525 may be fiberglass or any material that is chemically inert and electrically non-conductive. Afiber sleeve 1525 electrically separatesheater 1530 fromanode portion 1515.

The windingheater 1530 winds thefiber sleeve 1525 in the longitudinal direction, and heats the tobacco when power is supplied to theheater 1530 from thepower source 1. Theheater 1530 can heat the tobacco but not burn it. For example, theheater 1530 may operate at around 190 degrees celsius or may vary based on power control. Theheater 1530 heats thetobacco 1507 to generate a tobacco aroma.

To receive power from thepower supply 1, aheater 1530 is attached to theanode portion 1515 and thecathode portion 1520. More specifically, the anode of thepower supply 1 is connected to theanode portion 1511a of theconnection portion 1511, which is connected to thebattery connector 1538. Theanode portion 1515 is connected to a battery connector by awire 1540. Although theelectrical wire 1540 is shown passing through thefilter 1540, the electrical wire may pass between thefilter 1540 and the outer tube 6'. Theheater 1530 is connected to theanode portion 1515 by anelectrical wire 1535.Wires 1540 and 1535 form asolder connection 1542 overanode portion 1515.

In addition,heater 1530 is soldered towire 1545 which is connected tocathode portion 1520.Wire 1545 may be connected tocathode portion 1520 by, for example, spot welding or soldering two electrical leads of heater 252. It should be understood that the connection should not be limited to low temperature welding or spot welding. Where soldering is used, welding may also be used and vice versa.

Fig. 16 shows a top view of the coiledheater 1530 surrounding thefiber sleeve 1525. As shown, a windingheater 1530 winds up thefiber sleeve 1525. Thewire 1540 extends from theannular section 1517 of theanode portion 1515 through thefiber sleeve 1525 to thebattery connector 1538. In addition, thesleeve 1525 extends to thehole 1521b of theanode portion 1515.

Referring back to fig. 15A, thecathode portion 1520 includesholes 1520 a.

Fig. 17 shows a top view of acathode portion 1520 according to an example embodiment. As shown, thecathode portion 1520 includes fourholes 1520 a. Although fourholes 1520a are shown, it is understood that more or less than four holes can be used. Further, theinner surface 1700 has a diameter d1 defining a receiving area for the anode portion.

Thecathode portion 1520 includes an uppercircular region 1705 and a lowercircular region 1710.Holes 1520a are spaced approximately 90 degrees from one another and extend through lowercircular area 1710 to provide ventilation holes betweentobacco housing 1505 andfirst section 1500.

More specifically, when negative pressure is applied to the mouth-end insert 8, air flows through thechannel 1519 and through thetobacco 1507 and theholes 1520 a. The air flowing through thechannel 1519 into thesection 1500 will also have a tobacco aroma due to the air flow path provided by theholes 1521a and 1521b in theanode portion 1515.

Figure 18 illustrates a tobacco housing for a non-combustible smoking device according to an example embodiment. As shown in fig. 18, thetobacco housing 1800 includes atobacco receiving zone 1825 and aprotrusion 1830 extending from asurface 1835 of thetobacco receiving zone 1825. Thetobacco housing 1800 is cylindrical in shape and contains tobacco to be heated by theheaters 1805, 1810, 1815 and 1820.Heaters 1805, 1810, 1815, and 1820 extend fromprotrusion 1830 into receivingzone 1825. Thetobacco housing 1800 may be upstream of the steam generation zone. Accordingly, theheaters 1805, 1810, 1815 and 1820 heat the tobacco to provide the aroma to the steam generated downstream. Theheaters 1805, 1810, 1815, and 1820 are connected to a power source, for example,power source 1.

Figure 19 illustrates another example embodiment of a non-combustible smoking device having multiple heaters.

Fig. 19 shows agrid heater 1905 covered in afiberglass guard 1910 to help control temperature. The tobacco is between thegrid heater 1905 and thefiberglass guard 1910. Agrid heater 1905 andfiberglass guard 1910 may be used in place of the tobacco heating arrangement shown in fig. 15A. Accordingly, thefiberglass guard 1910 may abut thehousing 6. Thegrid heater 1905 is connected to thepower supply 1 by anodeelectrical line 1920 and cathode electrical line 2915. The grid is wound from the top to the bottom of the drum.

Non-combustible smoking devices according to example embodiments may be stored in various configurations.

Figure 20 illustrates a flip-top container for a non-combustible smoking device according to an example embodiment.

As shown, theclamshell container 2200 comprises a top 2210 and abottom receiving portion 2220. Thebottom receiving portion 2220 is arranged such that thefirst section 2250 of the non-combustible smoking device and thesecond section 2275 of the non-combustible smoking device are arranged side by side. For example, thefirst section 2250 may besection 70c and thesecond section 2275 may besection 72. Thetop portion 2210 is pivotable about ahinge 2225, allowing an adult vaper to open and close theclamshell container 2200.

Figure 21 illustrates a flip-top container for a non-combustible smoking device according to another example embodiment.

As shown, theclamshell container 2300 includes a top 2310 and abottom receiving portion 2320. Thebottom receiving portion 2320 is arranged such that thefirst section 2350 of the non-combustible smoking device and thesecond section 2375 of the non-combustible smoking device are arranged side by side. For example,first section 2350 may besection 70c andsecond section 2375 may besection 72. Thetop portion 2310 is pivotable about ahinge 2325, allowing an adult vaper to open and close theclamshell container 2300.

In other example embodiments, a non-combustible smoking device includes an inductive heater. The inductive heater may be the only heater in the non-combustible smoking device. The inductive heater may be provided as well as different types of electric heaters, such as a resistive heater. The induction heater may comprise an induction coil. The coil may be positioned outside the tobacco. Reactive elements such as susceptors may be positioned on the tobacco surface, within the tobacco, or both.

In other example embodiments, a temperature controller may be needed to prevent overheating of the tobacco and to prevent combustion of the tobacco.

By utilizing one or a combination of multiple heaters, coil heaters, and grid heaters, the surface area of tobacco exposed to heat is increased, thereby creating a greater amount of flavor for an adult vaper.

Having thus described the example embodiments, it will be apparent that the same may be varied in many ways. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the intended scope of example embodiments, and all such modifications as would be obvious to one skilled in the art are intended to be included within the scope of the following claims.

Claims (13)

1. A non-combustible smoking element comprising:

a pre-vapor formulation reservoir element configured to contain a pre-vapor formulation material;

a pre-vapor heating element connected to the pre-vapor formulation reservoir element and configured to heat at least a portion of the pre-vapor formulation material to a vapor and provide the vapor to a channel;

a tobacco heating element configured to heat at least a portion of tobacco and generate an aroma; and

a tobacco housing configured to contain the tobacco and provide the aroma to the channel, wherein the tobacco housing includes:

an outer housing extending in a longitudinal direction;

an inner tube in the outer shell and extending in the longitudinal direction;

a space between the outer housing and the inner tube, the space defining a space for containing the tobacco; and

a connector at a first end of the tobacco housing, the connector including at least one first air inlet to provide air to the space between the outer housing and the inner tube, and the connector including a second air inlet to provide air within the inner tube.

2. The non-combustible smoking element of claim 1, wherein the tobacco heating element comprises:

a plurality of heaters in the tobacco housing.

3. The non-combustible smoking element of claim 2, wherein the plurality of heaters are upstream of the pre-vapor heating element.

4. The non-combustible smoking element of claim 2 or 3, wherein the plurality of heaters are external to the channel and the pre-vapor heating element is in the channel.

5. The non-combustible smoking element of claim 1 or 2, wherein the channel extends through the tobacco housing.

6. The non-combustible smoking element of claim 1, wherein the tobacco heating element is a coil and extends around the inner tube.

7. The non-combustible smoking element of claim 6, wherein the tobacco heating element extends around the inner tube at a spacing of between 1 and 2 millimeters.

8. The non-combustible smoking element of any one of claims 1, 6, and 7, wherein the tobacco shell comprises:

one of a Cellulose Acetate (CA) filter, a glass fiber filter, a mesh screen, and a silicon gasket at a second end of the tobacco housing.

9. The non-combustible smoking element of claim 1 or 2, wherein the tobacco heating element contacts the tobacco.

10. The non-combustible smoking element of claim 1 or 2, wherein the pre-vapor formulation reservoir element and the tobacco housing are removable.

11. The non-combustible smoking element of claim 1 or 2, wherein the tobacco is any form of tobacco plant material.

12. The non-combustible smoking element of claim 1 or 2, wherein the tobacco heating element is upstream of the pre-vapor heating element.

13. The non-combustible smoking element of claim 1 or 2, wherein the tobacco heating element is downstream of the pre-vapor heating element.

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